Trade schools are a viable solution for students who want to build a successful and rewarding career but can’t afford a four-year college.
This page takes a look at the best trade schools in the Cape Coral region.
Our selection includes beauty schools, allied health schools, real estate schools, and more.
Choosing the program that best meets your educational needs and professional aspirations is an important task.
We invite you to read our list and do your own research before deciding on a trade school.
1Southwestern Vocational Training
Southwestern Vocational Training is offering training programs for future allied health professionals.
The school offers Diploma Programs in Medical Assisting, Home Health Aide, Phlebotomy Technician, and Patient Care Technician and prep classes in Medical Assisting, CNA, Phlebotomy Tech, and Electrocardiogram.
The Medical Assisting program can be completed in 6-9 months and focuses on a wide spectrum of subjects like interrupting EKGs, performing phlebotomy, demonstrating competency of injections skills, administering First Aid, assisting in sterile procedures, sterilizing and caring for surgical instruments and performing administrative office tasks like coding and billing.
Southwestern Vocational Training, LLC. is Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and need Government-issued identification and a Social Security Card.
Prospective students who want to enroll in programs over 600 clock hours also need a high school diploma or GED.
Fees. Costs vary by program.
Tuition for the Home Health Aide program is between $550-$700.
The tuition for the CNA course is $450.
The Medical Assistant program costs under $7,000.
SWVT offers an array of payment options, grants, and institutional payment plans.
Courses offered:
- Home Health Aide
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Patient Care Technician
- Medical Assistant
Contact information:
- Southwestern Vocational Training: 4940 Bayline Dr. Bldg B North Ft. Myers, Fl 33917
- Phone: (239) 214-0717
- Website: http://www.swvtfl.com
2Express Training Services
Express Training Services offers training classes for those who want to start a career in health care.
The school has been training students since 2004.
The 245 clock-hour Medical Assistant class may be completed over a 12-week period and is offered nights only.
The school will refund the entire tuition if the student fails the state or national exam three times (does not apply to any class of 300 hours or more) as long as all exams are taken within one year of the beginning of class.
Enrollment. Application requirements vary by program.
Applicants to the CNA Exam Prep class who are under 18 years of age need a high school diploma or GED.
Applicants to the Medical Assisting program need a high school diploma or its equivalent.
They also need proof of either CPR certification or registration in CPR class.
Fees. Costs vary by program.
A package including CPR and First Aid with the CNA course costs $619.
Tuition for the Medical Assistant program is $2,500.
Courses offered:
- CNA
- CPR/First Aid
- EKG
- IV Therapy
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing
- Phlebotomy
- Continuing Education
Contact information:
- Ft Myers: 1469 Colonial Blvd, Suite 200, Fort Myers, Florida 33907
- Email: dave@expresstrainingservices.com
- Phone: 239-278-3800
- Website: https://www.expresstrainingservices.com
3Southern Technical College
Southern Technical College provides education and training in a variety of medical and technical areas.
The programs are designed to help students obtain entry-level employment right after graduation.
The classes are taught by industry professionals in a class environment designed around different learning styles.
The school offers flexible schedules to fit students’ needs.
Southern Technical College is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.
Southern Technical College – Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, and Tampa campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award Bachelor’s degrees, Associate’s degrees, and diplomas.
Enrollment. Applicants need a copy of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Additional requirements apply to some programs.
Fees. Total program costs are between $8,000-$42,630.
A set of required materials and textbooks are provided at no additional cost.
Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
Courses offered:
- Surgical Technician – Associate of Applied Science
- Electrical Technology – Diploma Program
- Medical Assisting – Diploma Program
- Veterinary Assisting – Diploma Program
- Medical Assisting – Associate’s Degree
- Network Engineering and Administration Nursing – Associate’s Degree
Contact information:
- Fort Myers Campus: 1685 Medical Lane, Ft Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: (877) 347-5492
- Website: https://www.southerntech.edu/locations/ft-myers/fort-myers-programs/
4Florida Academy
The Florida Academy, located in Fort Myers, provides training programs in beauty and wellness, health and skilled trades.
The programs are designed for hands-on learners who want to get back into the job market quickly.
The school offers lifetime job-placement assistance.
HVAC/R students have access to a modern workshop set up with the same equipment that can be found out in the field including air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, commercial RTUs, Electrical boards, Air distribution systems, soldering and brazing, and black pipe.
The program offers multiple schedule options to fit students’ schedules.
Florida Academy has been conferred institutional accreditation by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Florida Academy is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of class.
Prospective students must conduct a personal interview with the admissions department.
Applicants need a high school diploma or its equivalent and a photo ID.
Fees. Total costs (including tuition, supply fee, and registration fee) are between $3,640-$16,400.
Courses offered:
- Cosmetology
- Skin Care
- Nail Technician
- Massage Therapy
- Diagnostic Priming
- Skin Care
- HVAC-R Technology
Contact information:
- Colonial Center: 4387 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33966
- Phone: (239) 489-2282
- Website: https://florida-academy.edu
5Premiere International College
Premier International College provides a full range of nursing programs.
The college offers a Practical Nursing program and a Nursing Degree program.
After completing their nursing education and passing the licensing requirements, students will be ready to enter the medical professions.
Premiere International College is an accredited college by Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges (ACICS).
Premiere International College is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must have proof of high school graduation.
A physical examination is also requested, verifying acceptable health status, and negative PPD results or chest x-ray.
Students must have a minimum score of 75 HESI Admission Examination or equivalency examination.
Fees. The practical nursing program costs $18,825.
The Nursing Degree program costs $40,475, including application fee, tuition, testing platform, entrance exam, uniform, graduation fee, library fee, and lab fee.
Additional expenses are approximately $770
Courses offered:
- Associate Nursing Degree
- Practical Nursing
Contact information:
- Premiere International College: 2055 Central Ave, Fort Myers 33901
- Phone: +1 (239) 454-5000
- Website: http://picollege.edu
6Sunstate Academy
Sunstate Academy is a nonprofit institution that offers training for future beauty professionals.
The school has campuses in Clearwater and Fort Myers.
Students learn and practice in an on-campus salon where they are immersed in a true salon and spa experience.
The school offers full-time and part-time schedules.
Sunstate Academy is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent or a passing grade on the ability-to-benefit examination.
Prospective students must be at least 16 years of age.
The first step is to fill out an application on the school’s website or call the Admissions office to schedule an information session.
Fees. Tuition fees vary by program.
Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
Financial Aid representatives will help eligible students find financial assistance to meet the cost of education
Courses offered:
- Cosmetology
- Cosmetology in Spanish
- Barber Styling
- Barber Styling / Cosmetology Combination
- Massage Therapy
- Spa Therapies
- Nail Technician
- Full Specialty
- Continuing Education
Contact information:
- Fort Myers: 2040 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907
- Phone:
- Website: https://www.sunstate.edu
7Classic CDL School
Classic CDL School offers truck driving programs designed to meet the needs of students and employers.
The programs are designed to meet the needs of students and employers.
The 160-hour credit hour Class A Full-Time program can be completed in three-four weeks (by students who attend the weekday classes) or in seven-eight weekends.
The Class B program consists of 45 credit hours and can be completed in one workweek.
Enrollment. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.
You have to be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle interstate.
You have to be at least 21 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle that contains hazardous materials.
Fees. Tuition for the Class A Full-Time Program is $6,100; the road test costs $450.
The Class B program costs $3,500.
Courses offered:
- Class A (Combination Vehicles) Full Time
- Class A (Combination Vehicles) Coaching
- Class B (Straight Truck and Buses) Full Time
- Class B (Straight Truck and Buses) Coaching
Contact information:
- Classic CDL School: 3088 Evans Street, For Myers, Florida 33901
- Phone: 239-303-4322
- Website: http://classictrafficschoolllc.com
8Fire e-Training Institute
Fire e-Training Institute provides online fire courses for busy fire professionals.
School instructors have over 30 years of combined experience in the fire industry.
The school has a 92% success rate.
The purpose of the distance learning courses at Fire eTraining Institute is to provide fire service personnel with convenient, affordable educational programs.
All courses are approved by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
Enrollment. Applicants must be firefighters currently working for a Florida fire department that does not provide educational reimbursement or must be Florida residents seeking employment from a fire department or private inspection company as fire inspectors.
Fees. The individual classes cost $150.
The Florida Fire Inspector I Series costs around $700-$750.
The Florida Fire Officer I Series costs around $550-$600.
Courses offered:
- Fire Officer I Course
- Fire Officer II Course
- Fire Inspector I Course
- Review Courses
- Firefighter
Contact information:
- Fire e-Training Institute: 8359 Beacon Blvd. Suite 105 Fort Myers FL 33907
- Phone: 888-912-9458
- Email: Info@fireetraining.com
- Website: https://fireetraining.com
9Institute of Medical & Dental Technology
The Institute of Medical & Dental Technology (IMDT) offers medical training.
The courses are state-approved and can be completed within 16 weeks.
IMDT helps prepare students with a comprehensive content review and practice test questions on the topics typically found on certification exams.
The classes take place only two days per week, four hours each day.
Students must complete at least 75% of their course work in order to receive a certificate.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and need a copy of a high school diploma or equivalent.
All students must have a personal interview.
Applicants to the Dental Assisting program must submit documentation of Hepatitis B vaccination or sign declination form; this documentation may be required during externship rotations.
Medical applicants must submit a current TB skin test or chest x-ray.
Fees. Tuition fees are between $2,500-$5,000.
Courses offered:
- Business Administration
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Administration Assistant with Business Administration
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
Contact information:
- The Institute of Medical & Dental Technology: 5280 Summerlin Commons Way #804, Fort Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: (239) 208-7290
- Website: http://imdtfl.com
10My Realty School
My Realty School is a real estate school located in Cape Coral.
Founded by a licensed Real Estate Broker with relevant experience, My Realty School provides students with a seamless transition into an exciting career in Real Estate.
Students can choose between live and online classes.
For online students, instructors are available by email to answer questions along the way.
The courses are taught by current Real Estate Professionals
Enrollment. Applicants must be 18 years or older and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Before sitting for the state exam applicants must show proof that they have completed a Florida-approved 63-hour pre-license course for sales associate; the course is good for two years from the date of completion.
In order to process their State Application in full, students need to prove who they are through a complete fingerprint screening and submit to a criminal background check.
Fees. The evening real-estate licensing class costs around $300-$350.
Contact information:
- My Realty School: 601 Del Prado Boulevard North #8, Cape Coral, Florida 33909, United States
- Phone: (239) 573-6217
- Website: https://myrealtyschool.com
Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers
Career | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 850 | $60,390 | $29.04 | $78,990 | $38,890 |
Medical Records Specialists | 440 | $50,270 | $24.17 | $68,600 | $36,210 |
Nursing Assistants | 2,600 | $37,490 | $18.02 | $40,140 | $31,090 |
Dental Assistants | 760 | $48,130 | $23.14 | $57,520 | $38,580 |
Medical Assistants | 2,290 | $41,370 | $19.89 | $48,090 | $35,640 |
Electricians | 1,660 | $50,610 | $24.33 | $62,520 | $36,830 |
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1,860 | $51,130 | $24.58 | $62,570 | $36,800 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 1,710 | $51,000 | $24.52 | $78,980 | $30,120 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 1,620 | $51,820 | $24.91 | $67,760 | $36,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
There are many alternatives available to students who want to learn a new trade in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers region.
All you have to do is decide what path you want to follow and start searching for the institution that is best for you.
In order to make sure that you explore all your options, you should start by compiling a list of all the schools that offer programs in your chosen field and compare them based on some relevant factors, such as tuition, curriculum, educators, job placement rate, graduation rate, and accreditation.
There’s no better time to start your research than right now.